Troy Aikman said on Monday Night Football, “The Dallas Cowboys head coach is not empowered by the ownership.” and that since Jimmy Johnson’s departure, it hasn’t been there.

Troy Aikman’s Critique of the Dallas Cowboys’ Leadership Dynamics

Troy Aikman, a Hall of Fame quarterback and three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys, has been a vocal critic of the team’s organizational structure, particularly concerning the empowerment of its head coaches. In recent discussions, Aikman emphasized that the Cowboys’ head coach has not been fully empowered by ownership, a situation he attributes to the departure of former head coach Jimmy Johnson.

Jimmy Johnson’s Tenure and Departure

Jimmy Johnson served as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 1989 to 1993, leading the team to back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1992 and 1993. His tenure was marked by a strong partnership with owner Jerry Jones, who had a significant influence on the team’s operations. However, their relationship deteriorated over time, primarily due to differing views on control and decision-making within the organization. In March 1994, following the Cowboys’ second Super Bowl win under Johnson, the two agreed to part ways, with Johnson receiving a $2 million bonus. This split has been cited as a pivotal moment that altered the power dynamics within the Cowboys’ leadership structure.

Aikman’s Perspective on Coaching Empowerment

Aikman has consistently expressed concerns about the lack of empowerment for Cowboys head coaches since Johnson’s departure. He believes that the absence of a strong, autonomous coaching figure has hindered the team’s ability to achieve sustained success. Aikman stated, “You also have to empower that head coach. That has been what has been missing in Dallas since Jimmy Johnson walked out the door.”

Impact on Team Performance

The lack of empowerment for head coaches has been a recurring theme in the Cowboys’ performance over the years. Since Johnson’s departure, the team has experienced periods of success but has struggled to maintain consistency. The absence of a clear, empowered leadership structure has been cited as a contributing factor to the team’s inability to replicate the dominance they experienced during the early 1990s.

Recent Developments

The Cowboys’ recent decision to part ways with head coach Mike McCarthy has reignited discussions about the team’s leadership dynamics. Aikman expressed surprise at McCarthy’s departure, highlighting the lack of a clear plan from the Cowboys’ management. He questioned whether the Cowboys’ coaching position is as coveted as it once was, given the team’s high-profile nature and owner Jerry Jones’ involvement, which can make it a challenging environment for a head coach to operate independently.

Troy Aikman’s critiques underscore a broader concern regarding the Dallas Cowboys’ organizational structure and the empowerment of their head coaches. The team’s leadership dynamics, particularly the balance of power between ownership and coaching staff, continue to be a topic of debate among former players, analysts, and fans. As the Cowboys search for a new head coach, addressing these concerns may be crucial for the franchise’s future success.